If you're wondering what alcohol ink painting supplies you'll need to get started, this article gives a list of the essentials. You'll also learn some basic information about how these supplies are used, and where to find them.

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Ranger Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks | Source

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1. Alcohol Inks

Alcohol inks are transparent, dye-based inks that can be used to create unique and vibrant paintings on a variety of surfaces. Some common brands you'll find are:

Ranger Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks

Jacquard Piñata Color

Art-C Alcohol Inks

Inks can be bought as individual bottles or in sets of assorted colors. The 0.5 ounce bottles are small, but they’re more than enough to start with.

I like the Ranger Alcohol Ink sets with three coordinated colors. The colors are intense, and the inks flow smoothly.

Tips:

Start with at least two colors.

If you want to experiment with a wide array of colors, buy a set.

Add a metallic fixative for highlights.

Jacquard Piñata Color Exciter Set | Source

Alcohol Ink Poll

Have you tried alcohol ink painting yet?

2. Surface to Paint On

Alcohol ink painting works best on non-porous surfaces. This will let the inks flow and blend, creating all sorts of interesting designs. There are many options to choose from, but here are a few of the easiest to work with for beginners:

Yupo Paper

Yupo is a unique, water-resistant, polypropylene paper that’s well-suited for this type of painting. It won’t tear while blending, and is available in a few types and sizes.

Here are some common types of Yupo:

White

Translucent

Standard Weight

Heavy Weight

Packs of individual sheets

Pads of paper

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are another great surface because they’re inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores. Paintings on ceramic tiles have a glossy finish, and once the ink is applied, it looks like it is part of the tile.

Tip: Four-inch square tiles can be used for making colorful DIY coasters.

Ampersand Claybord

Claybord is a multi-media surface that also works well with ink. These artist quality panels are available in flat, or cradled versions with thick wood edges. Once a painting is finished and dry, a special scratching tool can be used to etch designs or texture onto the surface.

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Tim Holtz Yupo Paper | Source

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Ceramic Tile | Source

Ampersand Claybord | Source

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3. Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol is used to blend, lighten, remove, and make designs with ink. Use 91% to 100% for the best results.

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Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Blending Solution | Source

An example of how blending solution spreads out the ink. | Source

4. Alcohol Blending Solution

Alcohol Blending Solution can be used as an alternative to 91% alcohol for blending, lightening, and removing ink from a painting. It makes the inks flow in a slightly different way than plain alcohol, so it’s fun to try with your projects

This can also be used to remove ink during clean-up.

Jacquard Claro Extender | Source

5. Jacquard Claro Extender

Claro Extender helps blend ink while slowing the drying time. This allows more time to paint and blend colors. This liquid also increases the transparency of the inks and keeps them shiny. (Isopropyl alcohol gives a more matte finish)

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Mixing ink colors on a small plastic paint palette with a paint brush. | Source

Inks diluted with blending solution | Source

A palette like this is usually less than $1 US at art supply stores. | Source

6. Small Plastic Paint Palette

A small palette is helpful for mixing colors to create unlimited color combinations. It’s also useful for mixing ink with blending solution to make lighter, less intense colors.

If you don’t have a palette or need to mix more ink for a large painting, small plastic cups (either 2 or 3 ounce size) are another option.

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Plastic Droppers | Source

Dropping ink onto a ceramic tile | Source

Precision-Tip Plastic Applicator Bottles | Source

7. Plastic Droppers and Applicator Bottles

Plastic Precision Tip Applicator Bottles (30 mL) - These are also called needle-tip squeeze bottles. They can be filled with alcohol or blending solution so you can apply it exactly where you want it in a painting or on a palette.

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Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool | Source

An example of the kind of pattern a blending tool can make | Source

Darice Crafter’s Toolbox 3 Piece Plastic Foam Brushes | Source

If you don't have blending tools, cotton swabs work great for blending and making designs. | Source

8. Blending Tools

Inks blend on their own when alcohol or blending solution is dropped on them, but you can also use various tools for blending and creating effects, patterns, and designs.

Some of the tools listed below are everyday household items, and others are designed for this purpose. It’s not necessary to buy all of these supplies to get started. It’s fine to work with what you have at home, and add more tools later on if you want to try new techniques.

Here are just a few ideas:

Cotton Swabs

Small Pieces of Felt

Pieces of Paper Towels

Paint Brushes

Drinking Straws

Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool

Art Sponges

Pixiss Detail Alcohol Ink Blending Tools

Art Paint Brushes | Source

Yupo Paper taped to a clipboard covered in foil gives a flat, stable surface to work on. | Source

9. Clipboard or Aluminum Baking Pan

It’s difficult to paint and blend on a loose sheet of paper, so you’ll need a firm, flat board to attach the paper to so it stays in place while you’re working.

One easy method is to wrap a sheet of aluminum foil around a clipboard. Then, use a couple small pieces of painter’s tape to secure the paper to the board. This also works for smaller Claybords.

A heavy sheet of cardboard or a wood artist panel can be used as alternatives to a clipboard.

If you’re using ceramic tiles, place the tile in an aluminum baking pan to contain any ink and blending solution that spills over the edges.

Use a sealant to prevent fading, yellowing and UV damage to your art. | Source

10. Sealant and UV Protector

Alcohol ink paintings need to be finished with a sealant to prevent them from getting damaged by handling or sunlight. Paintings can also eventually fade if they're not properly protected.

A sealer with UV protection can prevent damage, fading, and help keep your paintings bright and colorful long-term.

Cotton Pads - These can be used with some isopropyl alcohol for cleaning ink off a plastic palette.

Jacquard Piñata Clean-Up Solution - This solution removes ink from various surfaces. It's also good for cleaning brushes because it contains a brush conditioner to keep brushes and sponges from drying out.

Where to Buy Alcohol Ink Supplies

Arts & Crafts Stores or Online

Discount Stores, Hardware Stores or Online

Alcohol Inks

Ceramic Tiles (Hardware and Online)

Yupo Paper

91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Ampersand Claybord

Cotton Swabs

Ranger Adirondack Blending Solution

Paper Towels

Jacquard Claro Extender

Plastic Drinking Straws

Small Plastic Painting Palette

Clipboard

Plastic Droppers

Aluminum Foil

Precision-Tip Plastic Bottles

Aluminum Baking Pan (for Tiles)

Art Sponges

Garbage Bags

Small Pieces of Felt

Paper Towels

Art Paint Brushes

Disposable Gloves

Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool (Stampers)

Cotton Pads

Pixiss Detail Alcohol Ink Blending Tools

Sealant

Art Smock/Apron

Painter's Tape

A simple design using alcohol inks on Claybord | Source

Safety Tips

Like many artistic mediums, there are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind while working with this type of ink.

Always work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Read and follow safety instructions included with the supply packaging.

Wear disposable gloves while using inks and during clean-up.

Alcohol inks, isopropyl alcohol and blending solution are flammable, so don’t smoke or keep a heat source nearby while painting.

Alcohol shouldn’t be airborne, so don’t use it in a mist or spray form.

Store all the supplies in a location out of reach of children and pets.

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